16th June to 5th July 2024
Mainly Blacktoft - and mainly Green!
I've been there a lot recently. In fact 5 times in the period 21st June to today - 8th July. I was trying to see 2 waders:
green sandpipers and greenshanks and get decent photos of both. Here's how it went...
...but I need to begin with a day up at Saltholme.
Saltholme June 16th
Saltholme was quiet. Stock dove.
A couple of little gulls were on the pool opposite the tip on Seal Sands Road but were quite distant and tricky to photograph due to the haze. I went to Seaton Carew to see the little terns again.
There was plenty going on.
June 21st: Blacktoft part 1
It was very quiet. Only common redshanks and this lapwing on Marshland.
June 22nd: Blacktoft part 2
Distant green sandpipers, little egret, grey heron and a teazel.
June 26th: Blacktoft part 3
Mallard with a single duckling, green sandpiper in challenging light and a chiffchaff on my walk back to the car.
July 2nd: Blacktoft part 4
Green sandpipers and beautiful calystegia sepium. It has another less flattering name.
July 5th: Blacktoft part 5
Just an observation: each time I've been recently I've met a different person on Reception and also someone I'd never seen before. It's as if Blacktoft has an endless supply of volunteers. They all ask if I've been before.
A wood pigeon by my car. Then more waders: green sandpipers; greenshanks; spotted redshanks and a ruff.
